Business | Banking

Al Hilal Bank to play key role

Aims to introduce mall experience to banking

Gulf News Report

Published: 00:00 January 5, 2010

Abu Dhabi: Al Hilal Bank is officially supporting the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum.Scheduled to take place on January 11 and 12 at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel here, the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum is presented by the Abu Dhabi University and Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

Al Hilal Bank, a leading Islamic bank in the UAE, is the forum's platinum sponsor.

"It is our privilege to have the support of Al Hilal Bank, which currently represents the new breed of innovative Islamic banks in the country. Al Hilal shares the same values and vision with the [Abu Dhabi] University and Khalifa Fund of equipping the UAE to compete globally through the delivery of innovative ideas and practices," said James Graham, general manager of Aim, the events management division of Abu Dhabi University.

Al Hilal Bank's main objective is to contribute to the UAE's national growth and prosperity while raising the positive profile of Islamic banking globally. Al Hilal consistently sets new standards and innovative ways that re-define the Islamic banking market across the world, not just in the region.

Mohammad Zaqout, EVP and head of personal banking at Al Hilal Bank, will present the bank's innovative ‘Mall Branch', a first of its kind in the region. Al Hilal Bank has conceptualised a shopping mall experience into personal banking, giving consumers a world class customer experience.

Zaqout is scheduled to speak about the bank's interactive website which recently won the Bank of the Year Award in the Arab Region during the Banking Web Awards 2009.

Al Hilal's tailor-made and cutting-edge Sharia compliant financial solutions along with other technologies and innovative products and services, will also be included in the presentation.

"Al Hilal Bank isn't like any other bank, as we are dedicated to making our customers' banking needs simpler, fresher and a more exciting experience. And as a progressive Islamic bank that we are, Al Hilal embraces innovation and values creativity in order to provide the best service and offer the best products to our customers," Zaqout said.

"The Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum is in line with our vision in bringing innovation practices which will help in advancing the capital and the UAE as one of the leading economies in the emerging market," he added.

Building culture

The Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum is an event made specifically for local businesses and associations, academic and government heads from all sectors responsible for building a culture of innovation. It aims to bring regional and international speakers to Abu Dhabi to discuss and inform on the latest trends and best-case examples on innovation.

Speakers are carefully selected by Aim Events, the company that handles the forum and a division of Abu Dhabi University, to respond to regional market needs.